The first home match saw Shuker as the main attraction, the last home match ended the same. Deservedly named Player of The Year coupled with his remarkable recovery from mumps saw the small Liverpudlian receive raptures applause, with the question being asked " Will he still be here next season?"
This game had the end of season feel to it as both teams played long balls that neither troubled nor aroused the defences.
The Reds as always started brightly and much traveled Colchester keeper Aidan Davison had to pull off a smart stop to deny Chopra (that’s 73 shots on target this season ;) )
Simon Johnson was then unlucky to hit the bar but apart from that chances were few and far between.
The defence must gain some admiration though as Antony Kay finally showed last seasons form and was a colossus at the back - just a pity it came in the 45th game.
When the Reds took the lead after 40 mins it was a goal of some quality.
Jacob Burns played in the impressive Nicky Wroe who delivered a glorious ball over Davison for Nardiello to head in at the far post.
1-0 at the break again!
But the Reds love chucking leads away and apart from Chopra's efforts, in what must surely have been his last home game for the Reds, Colchester set about getting a share of the spoils.
Scott Flinders made a contender of Save of the Season from a point blank header from Gareth Williams, but the inevitable came with 2 minutes remaining.
Stephen McPhail gave away a needless freekick on the edge of the area, and the ball was laid off to Gavin Johnson who hit a ferocious effort that Flinders could only help into the back of the net.
So the home campaign ends with just 7 wins to celebrate.
Today’s draw means that the Reds can only at best finish 13th (a place lower than last season meaning the Reds have only finished in the top half of a league ONCE since the play-off final in 2000.)
Michael Chopra is almost certainly on his way to the Championship others may follow him out of the door.
The future does look bright as the entire backline was comprised of Academy graduates but experience and skill is so desperately needed if we are to ever exit this league the right way in the near future.
Player ratings:
Scott Flinders: Pulled off a magnificent save second half and was so unlucky with the equaliser. Harshly booked for handball. 8
Dale Tonge: Again impressed and could be staking a claim for first choice right back next season. 7
Antony Kay: FINALLY played like we know he can. Won every header and gave his all. 8
Neil Austin: Brought in at centre back, Aussie will never let you down. 7
Robbie Williams: Again got forward whenever possible. Fairly quiet though. 6
Nicky Wroe: Starting to look like a decent player, brilliant ball for the opener. 7
Stephen McPhail. Needlessly gave away the freekick for Colchester's equaliser. Was always looking for the perfect pass rather than having a pop. Booked. 6
Jacob Burns: Ran his heart again, the type of player needed in League One. Subbed. 7
Simon Johnson. Unlucky with shot that hit the bar but had some dreadful wayward efforts. Better than Kevin Betsy?? Ill let you decide. 6
Michael Chopra: Farewell Oakwell swansong? He certainly gave his all and made some fantastic jinking runs, couldn't cap it off with a fairytale goal though. 7
Daniel Nardiello: Another goal, for a natural goal-scorer. If only Hart would have played him regularly. Subbed. 7
Subs:
Chris Shuker (for Burns 76) The Player of The Year wasn't quite fit enough to start but came on for his applause. 6
Nathan Jarman (for Nardiello 86) Only got 4 mins today after his 90 at Vale Park, showed some good touches though. 6
Man of The Match: Scott Flinders – Just ahead of Kay because I still don’t know how he get Williams’ header out.